Yes my friend, I am a space farmer. I grow zero-gravity crystals, harvest helium-3 from the moon's surface, and extract drinking water from asteroids, all for the benefit of mankind. I am a space farmer.

So, the real answer is “it depends.” Still, if all the numbers had to be teased out and put on a balance sheet (and based on the fact the Pentagon remains inauditable) I’d offer Thompson’s estimate is probably a more accurate representation of reality.

Why does it matter? If you believe the CJCS, the U.S. government’s debt is the most significant national security threat we face.